Flashlight, SUREFIRE E1B Backup, The Torch of the Future

I recently picked up a new flashlight, I am addicted to flashlights and this one is no exception. I figure it's just one of many, but it's hardly a "flavor of the week".

The Surefire E1B Backup (Not to be confused with the new EB1 Backup) Flash light is exactly what it says, its a backup to a full sized tactical light. I was carrying a Surefire KROMA for a long time, and its just too big for EDC (Every Day Carry), then I switched to a Nightops Gladius, better size but no pocket clip and still a bit too big, it serves me better on my gun belt, or on my nightstand for when things go bump in the night. I don't relish baggy clothes so I've been shopping around for something small and powerful that I can carry every where.

The E1B Backup, fits my needs. I try to keep a flashlight handy all the time, and I prefer to have it clipped in my left pocket. (right side is for my pocket knife)

Here are the Specs taken from the Surefire website.

Dual-output, microprocessor-controlled, virtually indestructible LED

TIR lens produces tightly focused beam with enough secondary light to accommodate peripheral vision

Coated, impact-resistant Pyrex® window protects lens and LED and helps maximize light transmission

Compression-resistant O-ring seals for weatherproofing

Aerospace-grade aluminum body with Mil-Spec Type III hard anodizing in black

“Melted” styling and flutes instead of knurling help save clothing and resist snagging

Sturdy, two-way pocket clip lets you carry flashlight bezel up or down

Tailcap switch: click for constant-on at high setting; click on, then off and back on again within two seconds for low setting

Patented lockout feature prevents accidental activation

High: 110 lumens

Low: 5 lumens

Run Time: High Setting: 1.3 hrs.

Low Setting: 37 hrs.

Weight: 2.8 oz. (w/batt.)

Length: 4.0"

Bezel: 1.0" (diam.)

Batteries: 1 CR123

I like everything about this light, the bright setting is 110 lumens, more than bright enough to shine across the yard and into the trees at dusk, and bright enough to temporarily blind an assailant and work as a weapon light. The secondary setting at 10 lumens is perfect for getting to my car in a dark parking lot, or finding my dropped keys on the floor of a dark movie theater. 

At 37 Hrs of run time on the low setting and 1.3 Hrs on high, it's more than enough to change a car tire in the dark, finish a short hike after night has fallen, or light the area in any of the situations that I find myself in. 

Note: This light is not the same as the EB1, that light runs 200 lumens. This is not confirmed, but from inital reports the EB1 starts out at 200 lumens and slowly dims, ending at a much lower brightness at about 1 Hr. My light, the E1B, starts at 110 lumens and holds that brightness for about an hour. Both lights are worth the purchase, but are completely different in their presentation. Just make sure you research the newest tests before you spend your hard earned money. 

Good Bezel, works as a strike face and allows the light to do a nose stand without getting too hot. Should you set the light down on the bezel, you will be reminded to turn it off from the light leaking out. 

Really great spring steel pocket clip, I don't like to have my flash light "swimming" in my pocket, and I sure don't want to "fish" it out in an emergency. I carry mine bezel down. At the time of this post, I have been carrying this light for a solid 3 weeks, every day, everywhere, and I have yet to accidentally turn it on in my pocket, or have it fall out of my pocket. I do wish it had a lanyard clip, but I can figure that out in the future.

Disassembled, a pretty simple setup, with only one Surefire CR123A battery. Good tight lockup on each of the pieces and thick o-rings for water-resistance at each junction.

Low profile, keeps it from snagging on my hand when I get things out of my pocket, and it sits low enough in the pocket that it isn't overtly visible.

I use a lot of CR123A batteries and if you've ever bought these batteries from a convenience store you know that two in a pack can cost $5 to $14. That can add up fast, I find that I use about 1 CR123A battery a month, they last a long time in lights and I find them superior to any AA or AAA battery. (My EB1 Backup is still on its first battery and I've been using it on low about 3 to 5 min every day) I went hunting for the best deal on CR123A Lithium batteries and the best pricing I've found is from http://www.batterystation.com/cr123a.htm They have 32 batteries for $55, free shipping, and you get this free Otter box, waterproof case to store your batteries. The batteries are "Battery Station Brand" and from the tests I've seen they rank right in between Energizer and Duracell, they have a 10 year shelf life and I've had really great use from them. I'm not a paid rep for this website, they just offer a really exceptional product  at a great price. 

To sum it all up, I've tried a lot of lights, and you get what you pay for. Surefire makes a very reliable product, and every time I've tried a different brand, I've been left wanting. Surefire doesn't make the most advanced flashlight, or even the brightest, but I think they make some of the best in the reliable, no nonsense category  The price tag is high, but I don't like to be left in the dark... plus with the introduction of the EB1, you can get the E1B on sale for a while...

Oh, and did I mention I love Battery Station, they offer Military and LEO discounts as well, check it. 

Till next time, Stay Bright!